As previously advised in reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 751 and 752 of 20 June 2017, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including by arranging for the training of the members and civilian staff of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
As stated in my previous reply, I am informed by the Commissioner that the State Claims Agency provides indemnity to all Designated State Authorities - which includes An Garda Síochána. This indemnity applies in respect of any claims for personal injury (including those to passengers, service users, the public and employees) and third party property damage associated with authorised use of Garda Vehicles on approved Garda business.
I am informed by the Commissioner that there is a five level suite of Competency Based Driving (CBD) in An Garda Síochána, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of members undergoing the relevant training.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that the information sought in Parliamentary Question No. 751 of 20 June 2017 in respect the number of members of An Garda Síochána driving on Chief's permission and the number who have completed CBD1 and CBD 2 courses, is currently being collated and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
